Letters to the editor, 4/14

Why not consider sanctions on Israel?

President Barack Obama's administration is increasingly utilizing sanctions to achieve its foreign policy objectives. Currently, it is applying them to Russia for its occupation of Crimea and to deter further Russian aggression against Ukraine. It has applied harsh economic sanctions to induce Iran to give up its suspected nuclear weapons program. It is becoming clear that sanctions can be an effective nonmilitary alternative for achieving foreign policy objectives.

But another Obama initiative - the Israeli-Palestinian "peace process" - has stalled. This is primarily because Israel refuses to stop building settlements in Palestinian territory while negotiations are in progress. (Note the contrast with Iran, which has agreed to suspend higher-level enrichment during those negotiations). Although these settlements are contrary to official U.S. policy and to Obama's repeatedly expressed position on them, he takes no concrete actions, such as sanctions, to induce Israel to suspend their construction. He might not even have to go that far. Just threatening to withhold some of the massive aid we give to Israel might make Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu think twice. Should that prove insufficient, the stronger pressure of sanctions could be applied.

The U.S. has put heavy financial pressure on the Palestinians to modify their behavior, so why doesn't Mr. Obama also put such "teeth" into his policies toward Israel? It's a question we need to ask not only ourselves, but also Mr. Obama.

Gregory DeSylva

Rhinebeck

Thank state, not county, for energy tax repeal

The weather is finally warming up, and I couldn't be happier after the expensive winter Dutchess County has just been through. With spring comes new life and freshness, and yet our Dutchess County officials are still playing the game of blaming others for messes they originate and ironically taking credit when others fix them. I am grateful that our state government recognized our plight in Dutchess County and provided aid in the state budget to be used towards the repeal of the Dutchess County energy tax - a tax that should never have been levied in the first place.

However, now that aid is available and repeal is imminent, I am amazed by the misinformation and audacity of our county government to take credit for the repeal of a tax that they were solely responsible for instating in the first place!

We don't call an arsonist a hero for putting out the fire he set in his own home, and I certainly don't intend to congratulate Dutchess County Legislature Chairman Rob Rolison for repealing a tax he personally initiated and ushered through the county. Let's give credit where it should rightfully be placed - to Assemblywoman Didi Barrett and Sen. Terry Gipson, who continue to fight to protect the working people who struggle to survive on a daily basis.

Alice Bunnell

Poughkeepsie

All veterans should receive pension credits

Historically, New York state has done a pretty good job recognizing its veterans. There are partial property tax exemptions for almost all veterans. New York state also grants pension credits for all public service employees who served during World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War. Unfortunately, some veterans who served during Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom, Afghanistan and during peacetime are currently not entitled to pension credits.

However, thanks to a bill (S.4714A) sponsored by Sen. Bill Larkin and co-sponsored by Sen. Terry Gipson, there is a solution. The bill would grant up to three years' military service credit to members of public retirement systems. The bill might stand a good chance of passing because there is also a companion bill (A.6974A) sponsored by Assemblywoman Amy Paulin. I urge all Hudson Valley state senators and Assembly members to support it. Thank you to Sen. Larkin, Sen. Gibson and Assemblywoman Paulin. Non-combat veterans appreciate the recognition of our service.

Rich Dambra

Beacon

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Letters to the editor, 4/14

President Barack Obama's administration is increasingly utilizing sanctions to achieve its foreign policy objectives. Currently, it is applying them to Russia for its occupation of Crimea and to